Natural World

Herbalist's Essentials

A Glossary of Essential Terms used in Herbalism & Natural Medicine

D

Depression

Depresion is characterized by a very low mood which sometimes overpowers all aspects of life.
Depression can be brought on by a specific situation or it can be a mental disorder. Some people have a major depressive episode without having a mental disorder.

A study has shown that exercise is a more effective treatment for depression (incl. clinical depression!) than antidepressants. Furthermore, 30 minutes of exercise, 3 times a week, significantly reduce the relapse rate. Exercise in a natural surrounding (trees, grass, flowers) enhances and increases the benefits.
"The reason why exercise has such a profound effect is that physical activity increases the amount of endorphins in the body and endorphins boost feelings of happiness." [*]

Magnesium deficiency is a common and easily overlooked cause for depression. The right diet is therefore very important, especially if one has a tendency towards depression or melancholia.
Natural food sources of magnesium: spinach, Halibut, wheat bran, nuts (cashews, almonds), seeds (pumpkin seeds), soybeans, artichoke.

Folk remedyVarious herbs have antidepressant properties. Some of the most powerful, for that particular purpose are:
St John's wort, saffron, kanna, verbena officinalis, cocoa. Marijuana, when used moderately, has been shown to be highly efficient as well. A Japanese study has shown that green tea, when drank regularly, is highly effective, even with severe depressive symptoms.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea (or diarrhoea) is a condition characterized by three or more loose or liquid bowel movements (stools) per day. The loss of fluids can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can cause death. It is important to replace the lost fluids and salts.

Folk remedyChamomile tea is an ancient folk remedy for diarrhea. First remove the boiling water from heat; take 1 teaspoon of chamomile tea per 1 cup of water; steep for 15 minutes while covered.
Ginger is another very efficient remedy; activated charcoal absorbs the toxins that are causing the problem and stops the diarrhea. Dark chocolate as a remedy for diarrhea is not a myth. Dark chocolate (cocoa percent should be 70% or higher) is rich in cocoa beans, cocoa beans contain flavonoids, and these flavonoids limit the development of diarrhea-causing fluids in the body.